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People born during particular Moon phases tend to sharesimilar traits - ones that can provide valuable insights

into charactel, emotions and motivations in Iife. Are youa Full or New Moon? By Kelly Surtees

-f-he importance of the lloon and its

I phases can be clearly seen by howI prominently Moon phases fearure in

the caiculation of dates for major religiousfestivals. Easter Sunday, for example, is always

the first Sunday after the first Full Moonafter the March equinox. Rosh Hashanah,the Jewish "head of the year" or New Year

festival, starts at sunset on the day of the New

74 lwellbeing.com.au

Moon closest to the September Equinox.In modern astrological practice, the Moon

phases are used to describe the pulse or toneof your birth chart and your iife. A11 otherbirth chart factors, like planetary placementsand aspects, are modified by the energy ofyour Moon phase. The importance of Moonphases, long respected by ancient astrologers,was reintroduced to the modern world

through the early parts ofthe 20th century bythe astrologer Dane Rudhyar.

Our obsession with our Sun sign or starsign is a reflection of society's interest in theindividual ego, the conscious mind and one's

creative output (qualities of the Sun). trqual1y,

one could say "I am a New Moon phase" or"I am a Full Moon phase", which describes

your instinctive personality urges, from an

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emotional, unconscious and soul perspective(Moon qualities).

A few minutes research or inquiry with an

astrologer would confirm for you what Moonphase you were born under.Your Moon phase

describes your personality profile and reflects

the basic thrust of your life. Your Sun signis subtly but essentially different dependingon which phase of the Moon you were bornunder. The combination of Sun sign andMoon phase creates a holistic description ofan individual as it caters to the masculine/yang (Sun) and feminine/yin (Moon) aspects

of human nature.

Moon phasesThe eight moon phases are the New Moon,Crescent Moon, First Qrarter Moon,Gibbous, Fu1l Moon, Disseminating, Third

Qrarter Moon and the Balsamic. Reflectingon what the moon is doing at each phase -

ie,

gaining or losing light - helps to understand

the intrinsic tone of anyone born underthat phase.

Generally, the waxing cycle, from NewMoon to Full Moon, is about growth,development and establishment, as the Moonitself grows in both size and light. T1pical1y

individuals born in the first half of themoon cycle are involved in establishing newstructures, systems and schools of thought.The waning cycle, from Full Moon back toNew again, is a cycle of release and return,as the Moon sheds light and size until she

is no longer visible. These individuals, as agroup, are involved with systems of structures

that are old or ready for renewal and act as

change agents.

The New Moon is a point of fertilebeginnings, even though no moonlight is

present in the slqr. The crescent, first quarterand gibbous moon phases have the Moon

moon and personolity I wlsDoM

Generally, the waxingcycle, from New Moonto Full Moon, is aboutgrowth, developmentand establishment asthe Moon itself growsin both size and light.

The waning cycle, fromFull Moon back to New

again, is a cycle ofrelease and return, asthe Moon sheds light

and size until she is noIonger visible.

growing and gaining light. At the Ful1 Moonthe light peaks, gaining maximum brightness.

Through the disseminating, third quarterand balsamic phases the Moon loses light,progressively getting darker.

In verbally passed-on astrological lore, theMoon phases are often said to reflect phases

of the soul, describing where you are in a

series of eight tiers of incarnation. The theorysuggests souls incarnate with new life,/karmicthemes at the start of the Moon cycle (ie, NewMoon) and that as your soul gradually masters

aspects of these themes, you'll incarnate

through progressive phases until you reach

the fina1 phase of release (Balsamic).

The Moon's phases are also linked tofertiliryboth in a physical and a creative sense.

Each month when the Sun and Moon repeat

the Moon phase at your birth (therefore, ifyou were born at the Fu1l Moon, this occurs

each month at the Full Moon), you have an

opportunity to tap more deeply into yourcreative essence. Physical and intuitivesensitivity is heightened at this time. This is

like a moon phase birthday, and is commonlyreferred to as a "moon phase returri'. Ithappens every month and is like a personal

power period.A Czechoslovakian, Dr Jonas, uncovered

links between a womaris lunar phase and

"spontaneous olr-rlatiori' which transformednatural fertility theories through the 1950s.

To this day, many women use their extra

fertile Moon phase days to either avoid orattempt conception.

NewMoonIn this Moon phase there is little light. Likethe seed beginning its life beneath the soi1,

litera11y out of sight, those born at this G

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WISDOM I moon and personaliry

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o

Moon phase are ful1 of energy and enthusiasm

but tend to shun the limelight. There is alwavs

a lot going on for New Moon individuals but

you won't alwar.s know about all of it.New N'Ioon individuals have a childlike

qualiq,.They are more innocent than most and

perenniallv excited. Instinct often overrides

logic. A strong desire for continually freshexperience. ,rnd ne$ opportunitie: cnsures

they har.e many interests and hobbies.

Energetic, lively and at times easily led,

New N''Ioon individuals are great at startingprojects but often fail in the follow-through.The New Moon phase is the first phase and

they are naturaliy drawn to beginnings ratherthan endings. lmpulsive and quick to act, they

make decisions based on gut feelings ratherthan practical concerns.They can be subjective

and easily influenced by others but are fu1l ofcourage and confidence, often daring to go

where those around them never would. Their

energy can sometimes scatter as they try too

many new things at once.

Crescent MoonThe seed begins to emerge from the ground,tentatively putting its feelers out in the

world. Those born at the Crescent phasc

are ful1 of all the energv and enthusiasm ofthe Neu. Nloon but have an added touch offoresight. The blind rush to "do" of the New

Moon is tempered in the Crescent phase withar.vareness born from an instinctive knowledge

that there is more to come. Crescent Nloonindividuals are quite creative and tend tcr

direct their energv towards specific causes

or goals. The Crescent Moon phase couldbe described as "energy with focus". There is

a tentative curiosity within Crescent Nlloon

phase indir.iduals, which encourages them to

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explore after having done some research orpreparation. Life is often lived with a sense

of anticipation. The challenge for Crescent

Moon phase individuals is to channel theiranticipation into rction.

First QrarterThe First Qrarter Moon is the first criticalpoint in the Moon cycle and there is an

element of tension or nervous energy in the

heart of all individuals born at this time. Likethe planet which now must take risks as itpours energy into strengthening its position,individuals born at the First Qrarter Phase are

passionate, confident and natural risk takers.

They are quick to act but can carry a chip on

their shoulder. rs if they are trving to provc

something to the world. This makes themgreat leaders as they alwalrs rise to challenges.

Anger needs to be managed consciously and

healthy physical outlets are important. A key

phrase for this phase is "crisis in action". First

Qrarter individuals can feel life is a challenge

thelr nss6 to beat. They are ambitious, self-motivated and independent and once they've

decided to do something are hard to stop.

Determination is one of their key strengths.

GibbousThis Moon phase is about self-developmentand perfection, symbolic of the plant that is

now preparing its offerings through fruit and

flowers. Those born at this Moon phase are

acutely aware of how imPortant planning and

organisation are. They strive to know as much

as possible about themselves in order to excel

in all areas of life. Dcvoting time to personal

development and growth is nourishing lorGibbous Moon phase indir''idua1s. The desire

to purify and perfect is a prominent life theme

as these individuals constantly seek to improve

their lives, their work and their relationships.

Gibbous Moon phase individuals are precise

and question everything. They are highlycreative r'vithout being impulsive and seek

new modes of self-expression to honour theirongoing self-improvcment crusade. They tend

to analyse both themselves and others, always

trying to figure out what motivatcs differentfvpes of actions. Life is punctuated b1'periods

of apprenticeship as they seek to iearn theircraft or develop skills from a respect mentoror master.

FullMoonThe plant has matured and reaches the peak

of its expression. Flowers bloom and fruitripens. Individutrls born at this Moon phase

generalil,lead fuifil1ing lives, rich in a variety ofexperiences.The Sun andMoon stand opposite

each other, witnessing the other's complete

g1ory. Full Moon tvpes have a sense that once

they find their mate, like the Sun finally inawe of the N4oon, they'1l be able to grow even

more.This is often true. FullMoon individualsare here primarily to explore the dynamics

of relationship and constantlv seeVattractkey partners.

It is through the learning and awareness

that arises out of being in relationships thatFu1l Moon individuals find meaning and

satisfaction in their lives. Finding a significantother, be it a personal or professional partner,

is usually the catalyst for great periods ofgrowth and success in their lives.Throughouttheir life, thev are constantly working withand learning about the tension of opposites

and what it means to work in harn-ronv withpeople who are different lrom thcm. It's a

lifetime of illumination.

DisseminatingThe primary theme of the lives of Disseminating individuals is 'givingbacli'.The Moon comes offher Full peak; the tree starts to drop flowers

and fruit. The gifts ofsuccess are now offered back to society. Throughsome form or another, Disseminating phase individuals are involved inteaching or spreading their very important message. They may write,research or become active in community issues. Through their lifethey are working with the archetJpe of the "teacher/preacher".lheyare here to enjoy the moment and learning to maintain awareness

in the present is a key lifetime goal. Disseminating Moon phase

individuals buck convention and break traditions. They are truly here

to go their own way. Like the term "disseminating" itself, which refers

to distribution, Disseminating Moon phase individuals are here toconvey information through any means possible. They share the mostvaluable or meaningful oftheir own experiences as they spread out,communicate and connect with others. Like the gypsies of o1d, theyare almost always on the move.

/our Moon phase describes yourpersonality profile and reflects the

basic thrust of your life.

Third QrarterThe tree becomes bare as leaves change colour and begin to 1a11. The

question of meaning and purpose is paramount in the life of Third

Qrarter gpes. For them, the midlife period, from the late 30s to early

50s, is filled with change, as previously conservative or mainstream

Third Qrarter individuals make dramatic shifts, embracing alternative

life choices to pursue a life aligned with their personal philosophy.

Often there is a key event through this time that acts as a catalyst.

Friends, family and colleagues may struggle to understand why, at the

heights of their career,Third Qrarter qpes walk away from all theyvebuilt up. This phase is described as a "crisis in consciousness" whichreflects the importance of acting in accordance with their beliefs. Third

Qrarter Moon phase types are constandy re-evaluating the old and, as

they move through life, they turn away and discard o1d patterns. Manycut ties with the beliefs or philosophies of the culture or community inwhich they were raised. There is an urgency that drives them as if theyknow they wont always continue along the same path. Third Qrartertypes easily combine instinct with creativity.

BalsamicThe hermit is an appropriate image for the Balsamic Moon phase.

The tree goes into retreat; bare, barren and still, it lies dormant untilthe next spring. Those born at the Balsamic phase have entered a

lifetime of closure and completion. Significant relationships are

about completing themes from previous incarnations together.Karmic connections with others lead to lots of short, intense

relationships. They tend to be very good at leaving. Time alone torefect and process is essential for Balsamic phase individuals. Theyare often loners who enjoy the company ofa select group ofpeople.Spirituality is a key theme as Balsamic types seek to understand thebig questions of life as they subconsciously wrap up a karmic cycle.

Balsamic Moon phase types generally experience success later inlife and are often loners. They are wise and complex visionaries whocan see beyond the demands of the immediate future.They are here

to distil the essence of previous life lessons. Balsamic Moon phase

types are often quiet, retiring and resilient. They have a powerfulabiliry to transform. liKelly Surtees is passionate about astrology and respected among her peers for

her insight and knowledge. She offers readings to clients around the world. A

full-time astrologer, Kelly is based in Sydney where she teaches a full program in

astrology through the Earth lnstitute (www.earthinstitute.com.au). Contact her

th ra u g h h e r we b s ite www. ke I lys u rtees. ca m.

moon dnd personolity I wlsDoM

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